Italian Universities Open Door for Refugee Students with Fully Funded Master's Degrees
Nairobi, 28 April 2026
Eighty refugees across thirteen African countries can pursue Master’s degrees in Italy through the UNICORE 8.0 programme, with applications now open until 17 April 2026. The initiative provides complete financial support including tuition waivers, living expenses, and study grants for qualified refugees with university degrees earned since 2021.
Application Deadline Approaches
The application window for UNICORE 2026 opened on 2 March 2026 and closes on 17 April 2026, giving refugee students a limited timeframe to submit their applications [1]. With today being 28 April 2026, this deadline has already passed, meaning prospective students must wait for the next application cycle. The University of Palermo has extended its own deadline to 20 May 2026 for its specific offerings within the programme [2]. Participating Italian universities publish individual application calls through the central UNICORE portal, requiring students to apply online via the official website [1].
Comprehensive Financial Support Package
The UNICORE programme offers complete financial coverage for successful applicants, including full tuition waivers, financial support for living expenses, and additional study grants in Italy [1]. The University of Palermo specifically provides three scholarships valued at €7,200 each for the 2026-2028 period [2]. Beyond monetary support, the programme includes comprehensive assistance through local partner networks to help students successfully complete their two-year Master’s degree programmes and integrate into university life [2]. Local partners supporting the initiative include Caritas Diocesana di Palermo, Centro Diaconale - Istituto Valdese, Centro Astalli Palermo, and Confindustria Sicilia [2].
Eligibility Requirements and Academic Standards
To qualify for UNICORE scholarships, applicants must hold recognised refugee status and possess a university degree earned in or after 2021, with the qualification obtained no later than 17 April 2026 [1]. Academic excellence is required, with applicants needing to maintain a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 or its equivalent [1]. Students selected through the programme can choose from thirteen different Master’s degree courses taught in English, with selection based on academic merit and motivation [2]. The programme targets refugees residing in thirteen countries: Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe [2].
Programme Scale and University Participation
The UNICORE 8.0 initiative represents the eighth edition of the University Corridors for Refugees project, involving over 40 Italian universities working together to provide educational opportunities [2]. The programme aims to support 80 refugees across the participating African countries, representing a significant commitment to refugee education and integration [2]. Universities participating in the initiative have begun incorporating UNICORE protocols into their administrative procedures, with institutions like the University of Florence scheduling formal adoption of the National Memorandum of Understanding for UNICORE 8.0 in their administrative meetings [4]. The UNHCR Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa, based in Nairobi, coordinates activities across 25 countries, including many of the nations eligible for UNICORE participation [5].